Best Obd2 Scanner With Key Programmer

[Eleanora Parrot]

Willhas written for several major auto sites including Motor1 since 2020, logging hundreds of hours researching and testing products ranging from child car seats to torque wrenches. Will is also Certified by Safe Kids Worldwide as a Child Passenger Safety Technician (#T836339).

A check engine light can signal a wide variety of issues, but many of them are easy to fix at home. However, diagnosing the severity of any car trouble requires an onboard diagnostic (OBD) tool. The best OBD2 scanner for the average driver will often cost under $40 and can save you many unnecessary trips to the mechanic.

To help readers find the right diagnostic scan tool (at the right price), we tested several top options. From simple code readers to advanced OBD2 scanners that can reprogram an engine control module (ECM), the right scanner for you may differ depending on your expertise level and repair skills. In this review, we recommend our eight favorite OBD2 scanners based on hands-on testing and explain, in simple terms, the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

Each automotive code scanner in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including ease of use, speed, compatibility, and overall value. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.

Once installed, the BlueDriver connects via Bluetooth to an iPhone or other smartphone, from which you can view live data reports from the engine and coolant systems. You can also perform a smog test with this scanner, and it will recommend possible repairs for specific codes.

The BlueDriver is one of the easiest-to-use OBD2 scanners we tested. You simply download the companion smartphone app and plug the scanner into your vehicle. Diagnostics and monitoring run through the app, which has a simple interface.

Along with conducting basic auto diagnostic tasks, you can set up customizable monitoring of basic information like engine RPMs and exhaust pressure. A full list of monitoring functions can be found here. For more information on this great OBD2 scanner, check out our dedicated review page here.

The ArtiDiag800BT is a great option for those looking for a code reader with key programming abilities. It is compatible with 96 vehicle manufacturers and capable of many advanced OBD2 functions. The large display also makes it good for viewing live data graphing. Those in need of only a basic code reader will find the TOPDON unnecessarily expensive.

Those dissatisfied with this OBD2 scanner say that the battery drains quickly. Some also complain about advanced features not working, such as key programming. Features like key programming and anti-theft matching may only be available for certain vehicles.

As a basic scan tool, the NT201 does not have a lot of functions, but it is compatible with most vehicle makes and models. Finding this information in the menu is straightforward and intuitive. Press enter when the OBDII function is selected and follow the menus.

Reviewers appreciate the Foxwell for its bright display and easy-to-operate interface. Most customers purchase this because they need something inexpensive to pull engine codes for their personal vehicles.

The Motopower MP69033 scanned with the touch of a single button and was able to pull codes from our test vehicle nearly instantaneously. This tool automatically detected our vehicle information and quickly supplied an error code that even provided a brief description of the issue (not only a number).

Because of its limited number of functions, it is easy to operate. It notably lacks the ability to perform an emissions readiness test. Spending a little bit more can afford a scanner with this useful feature.

We found it similar, in terms of functions, to other $30 OBD2 scanners. That is, except until paired with the app, which offers more features, including repair suggestions, details about potential replacement parts, and freeze frame data.

The CarScan Advisor is popular because it is easy to use. Many reviewers note that the ABS brake diagnosis function is appreciated, as not all basic scanners offer this feature. However, ABS scanning does not seem to work in older vehicles.

The Launch CRP129E is an expensive, advanced scan tool with a wide range of features. The large, bright screen offers one of the best displays of any tool on the market. One plus is that Launch offers free lifetime updates as long as you buy from an authorized dealer. The Launch CRP129E comes with data code protocols from nearly 60 carmakers and over 1,000 models, so this scanner likely knows something about your vehicle.

Customers appreciate the intuitive touchscreen and data accuracy, with at least one customer noting that the product was able to read everything from VIN to transmission codes and send reports to his computer.

Autel updates the device for free for your first year of ownership, but it already comes with plenty of information about American, European, and Asian car brands. Also included is an app that stores automotive and customer data, so you get an OBD2 scanner and logbook all in one.

We put the B0310 in the basic code reader category, though it does offer a few functions other basic OBD2 readers may lack, such as Bluetooth functionality. Using the Bluetooth app (available for both Android and iOS) allows access to a few more functions, notably real-time data monitoring of engine temperatures.

It took us five button pushes to get the Ancel to display engine codes, but the menu is straightforward and we were able to read codes quickly enough. The B0310 is similar in size and capability to most other basic OBD2 scanners.

Despite being professionally focused, this scanner is very easy to use and navigate. The large touchscreen pad has its own operating system that makes it easy to find any particular function. It includes atypical features like a camera and the ability to take screenshots of the display. These tools would be particularly helpful if you work with multiple vehicles.

As for reading a simple engine code, this can be done with several button pushes. That said, given the cost and number of features, there is no reason to purchase this OBD2 scanner if you simply want to read your own engine codes (unless the car you want to scan happens to be a tri-axle semi-truck).

There are a lot of positive reviews for the Ancel X7HD. Users comment that this scanner includes many useful features including special functions for diesel engines. Based on user reviews, people who need to service a large number of vehicles choose the Ancel X7HD.

Since the functionality and features vary depending on the brand and model of car scanner, our review team breaks down each in the following sections to help you make an informed decision about which OBD2 scanner is right for you.

Mechanics typically tell us that the most important feature of any OBD2 scanner is that it can read engine codes. Other design features can be nice, but for many, a basic code reader is all they need. Zac Salerno, a technician at Import Performance and certified Safety Inspector with more than three years of experience, told us:

With that said, there are several other factors to look for in the best OBD2 scanners, including compatibility, Bluetooth capabilities, and protocols. In the following sections, we will detail each feature offered by the best OBD2 scanners to help you decide which one is best for you.

The numbers that follow may further specify the issue. If your OBD2 scanner shows a DTC, type this code (followed by the manufacturer, for manufacturer-specific codes) into any search engine to quickly learn what it indicates.

Those looking for an advanced scanner to perform complex diagnostic functions should check out the TOPDON ArtiDiag800BT, which has a large touchscreen display and can test just about every system in your vehicle.

OBD and OBD2 are two different generations of automotive diagnostic car code readers. OBD refers to domestic vehicles made before 1996. OBD2 ports became commonplace after federal legislation implemented stricter environmental standards on American automakers.

The accuracy of an OBD2 scanner depends on the model you buy and the extent of codes it can read. More advanced scanners can read a greater number of codes from different automakers, and perform more functions.

OBD2 scanners can display and clear DTC, as well as reset the check engine light on vehicles. More advanced car scanners can run emission tests, run Steering Angle Sensor calibration, run smog tests, provide live data framing, and provide freeze frame data.

More advanced OBD2 scanners can be more complicated, but not necessarily more difficult to use. Advanced OBD2 scanners with simple-to-navigate menus and that explain features score well in this category.

To verify that each scanner could read an engine code, we unplugged the mass airflow sensor from our test vehicle and counted the number of button pushes it took to retrieve a code. Those that were able to display an accurate fault code quickly scored best in this category.

All of the OBD2 scanners that we recommend are compatible with a broad range of vehicles. However, not every OBD2 scanner works perfectly with every vehicle. Each manufacturer (especially in different countries) uses its own computer protocol for storing vehicle fault codes. OBD2 scanners that support the broadest range of protocols score best in this category.

Our value score is based on our other ratings relative to the cost of the product. To receive a high rating in this category, an expensive OBD2 scanner must justify its price tag by offering features and functions well beyond a basic OBD2 code reader.

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

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